Lesser Black-backed Gull

A powerful gull with a dark slate-grey to near-black back. It is similar in size to a Herring Gull but has bright yellow legs. It is a long-distance migrant. Many gulls winter as far south as West Africa. It nests on urban roofs, coastal cliffs, and along coasts and wetlands.

Lesser Black-backed Gulls are more predatory and maritime than Herring Gulls. They often follow fishing boats far out to sea. They practice 'kleptoparasitism' by stealing food from other birds. Their flight is agile and graceful. They are vocal and social birds that nest in noisy colonies.